Hello and Happy New year Friends!

You have probably already seen the amazing new pattern that is the Taos Top by Threadbear Garments. I am so happy to have been part of Leslie’s debut pattern test and witness her extremely perfectionist, professional and friendly attitude in action 🙂

The Taos Top is a beautifully drafted pattern with princess seams on the front and back. View A features a mock neckband and a curved hem while View B features a cowl neck and a high low hemline with mitered side slits. Recommended fabrics include mid-weight knit fabrics with about 30 – 60%  stretch. The pattern is fitted at the bust and slightly flares into an A-line through the waist and hips.

For my first version, I used a thin rayon french terry with lots of drape that I got from Simply by Ti (I linked to the oatmeal one here, I think the burgundy one is sold out). It has the recommended amount of stretch and worked out rather perfectly.

I am not much for color blocking usually but I do love how the design lines in this pattern are highlighted by all the color blocking.

Based on my measurements (Bust 32″, waist 26.5″ and Hips 36″ and height 5′), I made a size 2 and shortened it by 1″ and that’s it, perfect fit achieved! I am really happy with how this version turned out.

For my second version where the armhole was slightly raised, I skipped the color blocking choosing instead to make a plain Taos in this striped rib jersey from Stylemaker Fabrics. I couldn’t possibly love this top any more! The color, the fit, that beautiful mock neck, the thin stripes everything about this top just makes me so happy!

I made the same length adjustment to this one as well that is shortened it by an inch. This top comes together really quickly especially if you’re using a serger; and then the hem bands make finishing the neckline and armholes a breeze. But thanks to all the stripes, I spent the better part of a day cutting carefully and then pinning and sewing slowly. But the result gives me so much joy so i’ll say it was definitely worth the extra time.

In totally unnecessary news, I also spent a good part of the day cooking up a special meal for my photographer, how else was I going to get him to come home during the middle of the day?! As absurd as it sounds, having lunch together and then taking pictures of a sleeveless top on a cold 5ºF day just ‘coz the sun was out was honestly fun and I am glad my husband’s such a sport 🙂

This pattern is amazing and so is the designer behind it! The Taos top is perfect for layering under jackets right now, but i’m excited for wearing it with my handmade cardigans in the spring. I can’t wait to try the other view with the cowl and split hem next. Don’t forget to check out hashtag #taostop on IG for more inspiration!

Huge congratulations to Leslie on her first release, I can’t wait to see what’s coming next from Threadbear Garments 🙂 If you haven’t already gotten a copy of the pattern, you can get it here.